Solutions server

ABSTRACT

Method and system for providing solutions to problems including generating problem definitions for problems, receiving environmental information required for generating solutions for the problems, generating solutions for the problems dependent upon the environmental information and the problem definitions, and communicating solutions to clients before the solutions are disclosed. A solution server comprising a processor coupled to at least one source of environmental information and coupled to at least one client, the processor programmed to generate problem definitions for problems, receive environmental information required for generating solutions for the problems, generate solutions for the problems dependent upon the environmental information and the problem definitions, and communicate solutions to clients before the solutions are disclosed.

BACKGROUND

There exists a class of problems whose solutions depend partly onexternal independent environmental variables and partly on variableswhose values in solutions are determined by the persons who need theproblems solved. It is an additional characteristic of problems of thisclass that both the problems and their solutions are capable of completedefinition by use of machine readable, machine manipulable dataelements.

One illustrative example is purchasing problems in which existence of asolution to a particular problem depends partly upon externalindependent variables such as availability of goods, types of goodsavailable, and prices of goods available. In the purchasing example,some variables are set by purchasers, the person interested in solvingthe purchasing problems, such variables including, for example, thecharacteristics of goods sought, timing of purchases, quantities sought,and so on. For such problems, a complete solution can be specified bysource, price, and description of goods.

If for example, a customer wished to purchase one automobile of aparticular year, manufacture, model, color, and maximum price, thesefacts can be recorded and defined to represent a purchasing problem. Ifsources, automobile dealerships, can be identified where cars with thosecharacteristics can be purchased, these facts can be recorded anddefined to represent solutions to the purchasing problem. If, before acustomer presents an actual purchasing problem, such problems aredefined, and if good and current solutions for the problems are soughtout and recorded, then, if the customer's purchasing problem matches oneof the recorded predefined solutions, from the customer's point of view,the customer's purchasing problem can be matched with good solutionsextremely quickly.

Another illustrative example is purchasing securities. It is typical insecurities purchasing for a customer or client to identify by symbol theparticular securities sought for purchase and the quantity sought.Optionally clients can specify price, market, and other values. Externalindependent variables not in the client's control include, for example,actually available quantities and prices. If a customer order is viewedas presenting a purchasing problem, i.e., where to purchase a certainquantity of a certain security, then a complete solution to the problemcan be defined as identifying one or more markets from which cancurrently be acquired, in a single purchase or in several smallerpurchases, a quantity of the securities specified in the customer order.

In prior art, when an order for securities is received from a client, asecurities broker-dealer must laboriously, case-by-case, check presentmarket information to determine whether there are available sources tosolve the purchasing problem or problems posed in the client order. Evenwhen the process is automated, it is still labor intensive. Manybroker-dealers still aggregate orders. In broker-dealer systems capableof single order processing, however, this process in prior art typicallyis carried out for each order individually. This procedure in prior artis computationally demanding for each order, and dealers receive many,many orders. There is a need for a way of generating solutions tosecurities purchasing problems posed by purchase orders before theproblems are posed, before the orders are received. Such a way ofgenerating solutions would be useful not only for purchasing securities,but also for many different kinds of activities that present problemscapable of precise advance definition and advance generation of welldefined solutions.

In the field of securities trading, a common problem of prior art isidentifying natural buyers and seller, referred to collectively as“natural traders.” “Natural Trader” indicates a source of securitiestrades, either sales or purchases, in which available quantity is largerthan quoted quantity, that is, there exists “hidden liquidity.” Naturaltraders exist because sources of large volumes of securities tradingliquidity, such as institutions, cannot quote their entire availablequantity without artificially distorting prices due to extreme, actualor perceived, fluctuations in supply or demand. Natural traders areidentified by a tendency to continuously requote after trading or bytheir tendency to fill orders with quantities larger than the quantitiesdisplayed in their quotes. It is advantageous for traders seeking toincrease or decrease substantial positions to be able to identifyreliable sources of liquidity, even if the sources are not displayingthe actual levels of liquidity available through them. In prior art,however, identifying reliable sources of undisplayed liquidity has beena hit or miss activity conducted manually by traders using humanreaction time. What is needed is an automated method of identifying, andtrading based upon the identification, of natural traders.

An additional difficulty in prior art in the field of securities tradingis that market quotes upon which trading and investment decisions arebased, more or less by definition, embody no indication of hiddenliquidity. Prior art leaves traders and investors upon their ownresources, using human perception and response times in observation ofquotes and trade data, to detect sources of hidden liquidity. What isneeded, both for automated trading and for display to human beings fortheir use in analysis and decision-making, is a form of quote thatincludes an indication of hidden liquidity.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided fordeveloping solutions to problems. The method includes generating problemdefinitions for problems, receiving environmental information requiredfor generating solutions for the problems, generating solutions for theproblems dependent upon the environmental information and the problemdefinitions, and communicating solutions to clients before the solutionsare needed. In embodiments directed towards securities trading, whencustomer orders matching predefined problems are received, the speedwith which solutions and corresponding orders to markets can begenerated represents an improvement over prior art.

A further aspect of the invention provides a system for developingsolutions to problems including means for generating problem definitionsfor problems. The system includes means for receiving environmentalinformation required for generating solutions for the problems, meansfor generating solutions for the problems dependent upon theenvironmental information and the problem definitions, and means forcommunicating solutions to clients before the solutions are needed.

A still further aspect of the invention provides a device, a solutionsserver comprising a processor coupled to at least one source ofenvironmental information and coupled to at least one client, theprocessor programmed to generate problem definitions for problems,receive environmental information required for generating solutions forthe problems, generate solutions for the problems dependent upon theenvironmental information and the problem definitions, and communicatesolutions to clients before the solutions are needed. This aspect of theinvention provides also a memory coupled to the processor, the processorprogrammed to store in the memory problem definitions and solutions.Alternative embodiments provide the problem definitions encoded incomputer programs stored in computer memory with the processor operatingunder program control to store solutions in memory.

An additional aspect of the invention provides a method of creatingsolutions for trading securities, including receiving a level-two quotecomprising a symbol and at least one market participant quote, themarket participant quote further comprising a quote price, a quotequantity, a quote MPID, and a quote side. This aspect of the inventionincludes creating in computer memory a solution set comprising at leastone solution record corresponding to each market participant quote inthe level-two quote, the solution record comprising a solution symbol, asolution side, a solution MPID, a solution price, a solution quantity,and a solution latency, the solution latency comprising a latency forthe market identified by the solution MPID. Embodiments of this aspectof the invention also send the solution set to at least one client.Clients in such embodiments typically comprise automated systems fortrading securities wherein the sent solution set is stored in computermemory within the client system. Client systems typically also use thesent solution records to create orders for securities. Many clientsystems are scaled. Typical embodiments of this aspect use trade data tocalculate hidden quantity ratios which are in turn used to indicatesources of undisplayed or hidden liquidity, utilized in the embodimentsin the form of calculated quantities for solutions or solution records.

A still further aspect of the invention is a system for providingsolutions for trading securities, including means for receiving alevel-two quote, the level-two quote comprising a symbol and at leastone market participant quote, the market participant quote furthercomprising a quote price, a quote quantity, a quote MPID, and a quoteside. Embodiments of this aspect of the invention include means forcreating in computer memory a solution set comprising at least onesolution record corresponding to each market participant quote in thelevel-two quote, the solution record comprising a solution symbol, asolution side, a solution MPID, a solution price, a solution quantity,and a solution latency, the solution latency comprising a latency for amarket identified by the solution MPID. Typical embodiments of thisaspect use trade data to calculate hidden quantity ratios which are inturn used to indicate sources of undisplayed or hidden liquidity. Inthese embodiments, hidden quantity ratios are used to develop calculatedquantities for solutions or solution records.

Such embodiments typically include means for sending the solution set toat least one client. Clients include automated systems for tradingsecurities typically comprising means for storing the sent solution setin computer memory in the client, means for creating, from at least oneof the sent solution records, an order for securities, wherein creatingan order from the sent solution record further comprises creating a usedsolution record. Clients often comprise more than one automated systemfor trading securities and such automated systems for trading securitiesoften are scaled.

An additional aspect of the invention is a system for providingsolutions for trading securities, the system comprising at least oneprocessor coupled to at least one source of quotes and coupled to atleast one client with the processor programmed to receive at least onelevel-two quote, the level-two quote comprising a symbol and at leastone market participant quote, the market participant quote comprising aquote price, a quote quantity, a quote MPID, and a quote side. Inembodiments of this aspect of the invention, the processor is alsoprogrammed to create a solution set comprising at least one solutionrecord corresponding to each market participant quote, the solutionrecord comprising a solution symbol, a solution side, a solution MPID, asolution price, a solution quantity, and a solution latency, thesolution latency comprising a latency for the market identified by thesolution MPID. Embodiments of this aspect of the invention include amemory coupled to the processor with the processor programmed to storethe solution set in the memory.

Embodiments of this aspect of the invention typically include theprocessor further programmed to send solution sets to the client.Clients often comprise automated systems for trading securities. Clientsystems often include at least one client processor coupled to clientmemory with the client processor programmed to store the sent solutionset in client memory, create, dependent upon the sent solution records,orders for securities, and send the orders for securities to markets. Inmany embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the client comprisesmore than one automated system for trading securities and the automatedsystems are scaled. Typical embodiments of this aspect use trade data tocalculate hidden quantity ratios which are in turn used to indicatesources of undisplayed or hidden liquidity, utilized in the embodimentsin the form of calculated quantities for solutions or solution records.

A still further aspect of the invention provides a method of producingan improved level-two quote for use in securities trading and marketanalysis. Embodiments of this aspect typically include receiving in anautomated system, which system comprises at least one computer processorcoupled to computer memory, a level-two quote, the level-two quotecomprising a data format further comprising a symbol and at least onemarket participant quote, the market participant quote furthercomprising a data format further comprising a quote price, a quotequantity, a quote MPID, and a quote side. Such embodiments typicallycreate in computer memory, dependent upon the level-two quote, animproved level-two quote comprising a symbol and at least one improvedmarket participant quote, which improved market participant quotecomprises a side, an MPID, a price, a quantity dependent upon the marketparticipant quote quantity and also dependent upon a hidden quantityratio, and a latency, the latency comprising a latency for the marketidentified by the MPID.

Such embodiments typically provide the improved level-two quote toclients. In most embodiments, the improved level-two quote comprises atleast two improved market participant quotes and the improved marketparticipant quotes are sorted. Providing improved level-two quotes toclients is typically done in the form of streaming serial data providedthrough means for data communications. Typical embodiments of thisaspect use trade data to calculate hidden quantity ratios which are inturn used to indicate sources of undisplayed or hidden liquidity,utilized in the embodiments in the form of calculated quantities forimproved level-two quotes.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a process flow overview for typical exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of files of records in a database typical ofcertain embodiments.

FIG. 2A is an example data structure diagram for subscription requests.

FIG. 2B is an example data structure diagram for problem definitionrules.

FIG. 2C is an example data structure diagram for quotes.

FIG. 2D is an example data structure diagram for subscriptions.

FIG. 2E is an example data structure diagram for data communicationsparameters.

FIG. 2F is an example data structure diagram for solutions.

FIG. 2G is an example data structure diagram for problem definitions.

FIG. 2H is an example data structure diagram for orders.

FIG. 3 is an example data flow diagram for subscription entry.

FIG. 4 is an example data flow diagram for solution generation.

FIG. 5 is an example data flow diagram for solution retrieval andtransmission.

FIG. 6 is an example process flow overview for order execution.

FIG. 7 is an example means structure diagram for certain embodiments ofa solution server.

FIG. 8 is an example means structure diagram for subscription entry.

FIG. 9 is an example means structure diagram for solution generation.

FIG. 10 is an example means structure diagram for solution retrieval andtransmission.

FIG. 11 is an example means structure diagram for order execution.

FIG. 12 is an example structural block diagram typical of certainembodiments.

FIG. 13 is an example structural block diagram typical of certainembodiments.

FIG. 14 is an example structural block diagram typical of certainembodiments.

FIG. 15 is an example structural block diagram for subscription entry.

FIG. 16 is an example structural block diagram for solution generation.

FIG. 17 is an example structural block diagram for solution retrievaland transmission.

FIG. 18 is an example structural block diagram for order execution.

FIG. 19 illustrates methods of providing solutions for tradingsecurities

FIG. 20A shows additional embodiments of methods of providing solutionsfor trading securities.

FIG. 20B shows an example data structure for a level-two quote.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example structure of a client.

FIG. 22 illustrates scaling of a client system.

FIG. 23 illustrates example derivations of hidden quantity ratio.

FIG. 24 illustrates embodiments of systems for generating solutions fortrading securities.

FIG. 25 illustrates further embodiments of systems for generatingsolutions for trading securities.

FIG. 26 illustrates further embodiments of systems for generatingsolutions for trading securities.

FIG. 26A illustrates creating an index for a solution set and accessingthe solution set by use of the index.

FIG. 27 illustrates an example of structure of a client.

FIG. 28 illustrates an example of scaling of a client.

FIG. 29 illustrates creation of a solution set dependent upon alevel-two quote.

FIG. 30 illustrates creation of an improved level-two quote.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Definitions

“Cancellation” is termination of an order, or partial termination of anorder, by the customer or by software comprising an embodiment of theinvention. In addition, markets can cancel orders, or parts of orders,for example, in response to an IOC order.

“Client” refers to any entity capable of utilizing solutions. Clients insome embodiments will be computer systems located remotely from thecomputer on which a solution server is installed and running. In otherembodiments, clients can be persons, individuals or organizations,subscribing to solutions to be delivered by mail or email. In someembodiment, clients through their use of the invention in fact compriseelements of the invention. In embodiments directed to high-performancetrading of securities, clients often will be broker-dealer computersystems located remotely from the computer on which a solution server isinstalled and running; in such systems, solutions are typicallydelivered from the solution server to the client by use of datacommunications means such as networks, dedicated communications lines,or satellite channels. In other embodiments directed to high-performancetrading of securities, clients will be broker-dealer software systemsinstalled and operating on the same computer system upon which isinstalled a solution server; in such systems solutions typically aredelivered to the client by tightly coupled means such as shared memorysegments, subroutine calls, or calls to member functions in anobject-oriented class object.

“ECN” abbreviates “Electronic Communications Network,” referring to anorder matching service that provides liquidity by matching orders ratherthan by maintaining inventory. In the context of the invention, ECNs areconsidered markets. ECNs, like market makers are identified by use ofmarket participant identification codes or “MPIDs.” In order to avoidconfusion with data communications networks, ECNs are referred to aseither “ECNs” or as “markets.” Some current ECNs, their symbols andnames, are listed below. The number and identities of ECNs changes fromtime to time.

Example List of ECNs MPID Name ARCA Archipelago ATTN Attain BRUT BrassSecurities BTRD Bloomberg Trade Book INCA Instinet ISLD Island MWSEMidwest Stock Exchange NTRD NexTrade REDI Speer Leeds STRK Strike TNTOTerranova

“Environmental” refers to a category of information needed forgenerating solutions to problems. The invention addresses a class ofproblems in which part of the information needed for generatingsolutions is provided by the clients who need the solutions, and part ofthe information varies independently and is derived from externalsources. Information varying independently and derived from externalsources is referred to as “environmental.” In embodiments addressed tosecurities trading, for example, environmental information comprisesmarket information, such as market identification codes, securitiessymbols, quantities, and prices, received in streaming data feeds fromNASDAQ, market makers, ECNs, and other market sources. Such sources aresometimes referred to as quotes, level two quotes, market participantquotes, or tickers.

“Exchange” means a national, regional, or international exchange forsecurities trading including for example, Nasdaq or NYSE.

“Executed,” in reference to an order, means that shares have been eitherbought or sold according to the side of the order.

“Filled” means executed. That is, all shares in the order have beenexecuted, bought or sold according to the side of the order. If an orderis subject to partial fulfillment, then the order can be partly filledand partly rejected or cancelled, in which case the order will never beconsidered filled. Processing of an order can therefore be completedthrough some combination of cancellation, rejection, killing, andpartial execution without the order's ever being filled. Processing ofan order is said to be complete when all the shares in the order, shareby share, have been executed, cancelled, rejected, or killed.

“Hidden Quantity Ratio” is an indication of a natural trader. Hiddenquantity ratio is calculated in some embodiments as a ratio of a recentfill quantity divided by a corresponding quote quantity, the quotequantity being the quantity of securities quoted by the market from whomthe securities were ordered and the fill quantity being the quantity ofshares actually sold or purchased in response to a corresponding order.Obviously the order quantity must be larger than the quote quantity forthe hidden quantity ratio to be larger than 1.0. Hidden quantity ratiois calculated in some embodiments as a running average of ratios of fillquantities to corresponding quote quantities. “Running average” means anaverage of ratios for fill quantities and quote quantities gathered andcalculated over a defined period of time. Hidden quantity ratio iscalculated in other embodiments as a decaying average of fill quantitiesto corresponding quote quantities. “Decaying average” means an averageof a particular number of ratios for fill quantities and quotequantities calculated, in some embodiments, by use of a maximum numberof recently recorded quantities. Other methods of calculating hiddenquantity ratios are used in other embodiments, all within the scope ofthe invention.

“Inside price” means, as appropriate, the highest bid price or thelowest ask price for a particular security. For buy orders, the insideprice is the lowest ask price. For sell orders, the inside price is thehighest bid price.

“Latency” means a measure of the speed with which markets respond toorders and cancellations. Latency in many embodiments of the inventionis determined as the difference between the time when a response to anorder is received and the time when the corresponding order was routedto the market. Latency can be measured from normal orders or from testorders. Some markets support test orders as such. For markets in whichtest orders as such are not supported, test orders can be implemented byuse of unmarketable orders immediately followed by cancellations. Formarkets receiving orders regularly, latency can be tracked from normalorders, without the need for test orders. For aspects of the inventionin which eligibility of markets to receive orders is based upon latency,test orders can be used to determine whether ineligible markets havebecome eligible.

“Level Two Quotes” are quotes that comprise one or more marketparticipant quotes (“MPQs”). The best known source of level two quotesis Nasdaq, but “level two quotes” refers to any form of marketinformation that aggregates market participant quotes for a security.

“Market,” “electronic market,” “market participant,” “electronic marketparticipant,” “marketing network,” and electronic marketing network” areall used as synonyms for services accessible through electroniccommunications networks capable of executing orders for securities byaccepting from broker-dealers buy orders and sell orders, matching orfailing to match buy orders with sell orders, and communicating theresults to the broker-dealers. Generally the term “market” is used torefer to these entities. All “markets,” as the term is used, are eitherECNs or market makers. All available markets have names and symbols asdescribed under the definitions of “ECN” and “market maker.”

“Market maker” means a broker-dealer providing order matching andliquidity in a stock by maintaining an inventory of the stock. Marketmakers typically trade their inventories through exchanges. Somecurrently active market makers, their symbols and names, are listedbelow. Obviously the number and identity of market makers can change atany time.

Example List of Market Makers MPID Name BEST Bear, Stearns &Co., Inc.BTAB Alex, Brown &Sons, Inc. GSCO Goldman, Sachs &Co. HMQT Hambrecht&Quist, LLC HRZG Herzog, Heine, Geduld, Inc. JANY Janney MontgomeryScott, Inc. LEHM Lehman Brothers, Inc. MADF Bernard L. Madoff MLCOMerrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. MOKE Morgan, Keehan &Co.,Inc. MONT Nationsbanc Montgomery Securities, LLC MSCO Morgan Stanley&Co., Inc. NITE Knight Securities, L.P. OLDE Olde Discount CorporationOPCO CIBC Oppenheimer Corporation PIPR Piper Jaffray Inc. PRUSPrudential Securities, Inc. PWJC Paine Webber, Inc. RAJA Raymond James&Associates, Inc. SBSH Smith Barney, Inc. SHRP Sharpe Capital, Inc. SHWDSherwood Securities Corporation

“MPID” abbreviates market participant identification, a code identifyingmarket participants including ECNs and market makers.

“MPQ” abbreviates market participant quote, a quote comprising MPID,side, symbol, quantity, and price.

“Nasdaq Level Two Quotes” are provided in a data stream from Nasdaq.Nasdaq Level Two Quotes include market information for markets offeringto buy or sell stocks. The market information provided in a Level TwoQuote includes price, side, quantity, and market identification,comprising market participant quotes, for each market offering to buy orsell a stock listed on Nasdaq.

“National market” means Nasdaq, the New York Stock Exchange, and theAmerican Stock Exchange. SOES and SelectNet are national-level stocktrading services provided through Nasdaq.

“Natural Trader” indicates a source of securities trades, either salesor purchases, in which available quantity is larger than quotedquantity. Natural traders exist because large trade sources cannot quotetheir entire available quantity without artificially distorting pricesdue to extreme perceived fluctuations in supply or demand. Naturaltraders are identified by a tendency to continuously requote aftertrading and by filling orders with quantities larger than the quantitiesdisplayed in their quotes. It is the tendency to fill orders with orderquantities larger than quoted quantities that is measured by hiddenquantity ratios.

“Orders” are orders for purchase or sale of goods, services, orsecurities. In many of the embodiments described, “orders” areelectronic orders for purchase or sale of securities.

“Quantity,” in embodiments directed to securities trading, refers toquantities of securities quoted, ordered, or filled.

“Quotes” are aggregates of information regarding securities traded inmarkets. Quotes include for securities listed for sale or purchase,symbols identifying the securities, price, side, quantities, and marketidentifications or MPIDs. Quotes can come from Nasdaq or directly frommarkets. A “Nasdaq Level Two Quote” includes market information in theform of market participant quotes for all markets offering to buy orsell a particular security through Nasdaq.

“Rejection” refers to partial or complete termination of an order by amarket or by action of the invention. “Rejection” contrasts with“cancel” in which an order is terminated by action of the customer.

“Securities” are any agreement for investment. Stocks are the securitiesmost often addressed in described embodiments of the invention. Theinvention, however, is applicable to many kinds of securities including,for example, options, commodities, and bonds.

“SelectNet” is a Nasdaq system for indirect submission to market makersand to ECNs of electronic orders for stocks listed on Nasdaq. SelectNetimplements orders broadcast to many markets or directed to particularselected markets. SelectNet orders for selected markets require MPIDs asparameters, the MPIDs being derived from quotes for the stock in theorder. The operations of SelectNet are well-known.

“Side” refers to which side of the market is represented by an order ora quote. Side indicates whether the quote or order is to buy or sell,bid or ask. “Bid” indicates the buy side. “Ask” indicates the sell side.The present invention functions equally for either side of atransaction. Therefore we attempt to speak in neutral terms regardingside. We speak of execution rather than buying or selling. We use theterm “price improvement” to indicate both price reductions for buyorders and price increases for sell orders.

“SOES” abbreviates “Small Order Execution System,” a Nasdaq system forindirect submission to market makers of electronic orders for nationalstocks. Unlike SelectNet, SOES always operates by automaticallyselecting a market maker or ECN to receive an order. In contrast withSelectNet, therefore, SOES orders never require an MPID parameter. LikeSelectNet, the details of SOES operations and procedures are public andwell-known.

“Solution” refers to a set of sub-solutions or solution records each ofwhich identifies at least one specific partial solution to a problem.Solutions records in typical embodiments are related to recordsrepresenting problem definitions. Problem definitions in manyembodiments comprise data elements identifying particular problems andtypes of problems. A set of records comprising a solution is eithercomplete or incomplete. In embodiments directed to generating solutionsfor problems related to securities trading, for example, a solutioncomprises a set of solution records identifying markets where particularsecurities are currently available for purchase or sale at particularprices. Such solutions records typically are related to recordsrepresenting securities problem definitions. Securities problemdefinitions in such embodiments typically comprise a problem definitiontype, symbol, quantity, and side. The set of records comprising asolution in such embodiments is either complete or incomplete. Completesolutions for many embodiments directed to solving problems ofsecurities trading are sets of solution records the sum of whosequantities is equal or greater than the quantity in a related problemdefinition record. Incomplete solutions are solutions record sets thesum of whose quantities is less than the quantity in the correspondingproblem definition.

“Solution server” refers to embodiments of the invention capable ofgenerating problem definitions for problems whose solutions depend uponenvironmental information, receiving the environmental informationneeded to generate solutions, generating solutions, entering orregistering client subscriptions for types of solutions, retrievingsolutions for types of problems identified in subscriptions, andcommunicating the solutions to clients.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, a first aspect of the invention is seen, a methodof providing solutions to problems (12). One illustrated embodimentprovides for generating problem definitions (18) for problems (12),receiving environmental information (16) required for generatingsolutions for the problems, generating solutions (19) for the problemsdependent upon the environmental information and the problemdefinitions, and communicating solutions (24) to clients (26) before thesolutions are needed. Although the invention can be applied to a widerange of problems, in certain embodiments, the generated problemdefinitions are for problems related to securities trading.

An example embodiment, directed to generating solutions for securitiestrading, is shown in FIG. 1A, in which generating solutions (19) isaccomplished in dependence upon environmental information (10)comprising quotes (2002) from securities markets, hidden quantity ratios(2016), and latencies (2014). In many such embodiments, solutionsinclude solution quantities calculated dependent upon quote quantitiesand hidden quantity ratios. In many such embodiments, solutions comprisesolution records sorted or indexed according to latencies for marketsidentified by MPIDs in the solution records. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1A, generated solutions are stored (30) in solutions records (1906)in a database (22).

A further embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes storing problemdefinitions (29) in problem definition records in a database (22). Theproblem definition records (314) in many embodiments are disposed in thedatabase (22) as shown on FIG. 2. An example structure for problemdefinition records is shown as reference (314) in FIG. 2G.

A further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 includes storing thesolutions (30) in solutions records in the database (22). The solutionrecords (316) in many embodiments are disposed in the database (22) asshown on FIG. 2. An example structure for solutions records is shown asreference (316) in FIG. 2F. In typical embodiments, the solutionsrecords (316) have at least one relation (315) to the problem definitionrecords (314), one example of which is shown on FIG. 2.

A still further embodiment shown on FIG. 1 includes retrieving (32) atleast one solution from the solutions records in the database (22). Insome embodiments illustrated by FIG. 1, at least one client (26) is abroker-dealer computer system programmed and operated to effectsecurities trading.

Some embodiments illustrated by FIG. 1, when received environmentalinformation (10) changes, include generating additional solutions (19)dependent upon the changed environmental information and the problemdefinitions and communicating (24) additional solutions to clientsbefore the additional solutions are needed. In many embodiments,problems are categorized according to type, an example of which is theuse of the probdeftype field (202) in the problem definition structure(314) shown in FIG. 2G.

In a still further embodiment, as shown on FIG. 1, the inventionincludes generating subscriptions (20) for solutions, the subscriptionscomprising relations between clients and types of problems. An exampleof an embodiment implementing a relation between clients and types ofproblems is the subscription structure (310) in FIG. 2D, where thesubscription comprises data elements identifying a client (216) and aproblem type (202).

Referring to FIG. 3, a still further embodiment of the invention isseen. One embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes submitting (302) a request(304) for a subscription. A still further embodiment illustrated at FIG.3 provides for creating (308) a subscription record (310) in response tothe submission (302) of the request (304) for a subscription. A typicalexample of a subscription record (310), shown at FIG. 2D, comprises dataelements identifying a client (216) and a problem type (202).

A still further embodiment illustrated at FIG. 3 provides for creating(312) at least one problem definition (314) record dependent uponproblem definition rules (306). An example problem definition datastructure used in many embodiments directed to securities trading isillustrated in FIG. 2G as comprising problem definition type (202), side(208), symbol (210), and quantity (226). An example problem definitionrule structure used in many embodiments directed to securities tradingis illustrated in FIG. 2B as comprising problem definition type (202)and quantity (204).

Turning now to FIG. 4, a further embodiment of the invention is seen.One embodiment illustrated at FIG. 4 includes receiving environmentalinformation which in the illustrated embodiment comprises marketinformation (402) in the form of quotes (28), the quotes (28) comprisingdata elements representing side (208), symbol (210), quantity (212),market (206), and a tag (214) as shown in FIG. 2C. The tag (214) is anindication of the status of the quote, including, for example, whetherthe quote is an open quote or a closed quote.

In a further embodiment illustrated at FIG. 4, the invention provides,when a quote is received and the quote tag does not indicate (413) thatthe quote is closed, finding a problem definition record (404) havingthe same side and symbol as the quote. In a still further embodimentshown in FIG. 4, the invention provides for searching for a solutionrecord (408) having the same problem type, side, and symbol as theproblem definition record having the same side and symbol as the quoteand the same market as the quote.

When the solution record is found (409), the illustrated embodimentincludes updating the solution record (410) with the price from thequote. When the solution record is not found (411), the illustratedembodiment includes creating a new solution record (412) having the sameproblem type, side, and symbol as the problem definition record havingthe same side and symbol as the quote, the same market as the quote, andthe same price as the quote. When a quote is received and the quote tagindicates that the quote is closed (415), the illustrated embodimentincludes deleting (414) solution records having the same side, symbol,and market as the quote.

An additional example embodiment, directed to solutions for securitiestrading, is shown in FIG. 4A, in which creating solutions (412) isaccomplished in dependence upon quotes (2002) from securities markets,hidden quantity ratios (2016), and latencies (2014). In many suchembodiments, solutions include solution quantities calculated dependentupon quote quantities and hidden quantity ratios. In many suchembodiments, solutions comprise solution records sorted or indexedaccording to latencies for markets identified by MPIDs in the solutionrecords. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, generated solutions arestored (30) in solutions records (1906) in a database (22).

Turning to FIG. 5, a still further embodiment of the invention is seen.One embodiment shown in FIG. 5 includes repeatedly finding (502) asubscription record so that each existing subscription record (310) isfound in turn. When a subscription record (504) is found, theillustrated embodiment includes finding (508), for each foundsubscription record (510), a related record of data communicationsparameters (516) for the client identified in the found subscriptionrecord (504).

For each found subscription record (504), the illustrated embodimentincludes finding (506) at least one related problem definition record(510). When at least one problem definition record (510) is found, theembodiment of FIG. 5 includes finding (512), for each found problemdefinition record (510), at least one related solution record (514). Astill further embodiment, as shown on FIG. 5, provides for communicating(518, 520), dependent upon data communication parameters identified inthe found record of data communications parameters (516), to the client(26) identified in the found subscription record (504) at least one dataelement of the found solution record (514).

Turning to FIG. 6, still further embodiments of the invention are seen.One embodiment illustrated at FIG. 6 includes communicating solutions(24) to clients as communicating solutions to an order processing system(26) on a broker-dealer computer. A further embodiment shown on FIG. 6includes receiving (604) at least one customer order (606). The customerorder, illustrated in detail at reference 606 on FIG. 2H, comprises dataelements identifying symbol (210), quantity (228), and optionally, price(230), market (224), and order type (226). In many embodiments, thecustomer order type has a relation to a problem type. Problem types asused in typical embodiments are illustrated at reference (202) insolution structure (316) on FIG. 2F. A still further embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6 includes finding (608) at least one solutionrecord (610) having the same symbol (210) as the received customer order(606) and also having a problem type related to the customer order type(226) in the received customer order (606).

A still further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 includes sending (612)to at least one market (614) at least one solution order (616), thesolution order being dependent upon the customer order and the data inthe found solution record (610). A still further embodiment illustratedin FIG. 6 includes sending (612) to at least one market (614) at leastone solution order (616), the solution order comprising the side,symbol, quantity, price, and market data elements from the foundsolution record (610).

Turning to FIG. 7, a further aspect of the invention is seen, that is, asystem (702) for providing solutions to problems. One embodiment shownin FIG. 7 includes means for generating problem definitions (704) forproblems, means for receiving environmental information (706) requiredfor generating solutions for the problems, means for generatingsolutions (708) for the problems dependent upon the environmentalinformation and the problem definitions, and means for communicatingsolutions (710) to clients before the solutions are needed.

The means for generating problem definitions (704) in typicalembodiments is a computer programmed to store problem definitions in adata structure in computer memory. An example of such a data structureis provided at reference (314) in FIG. 2G. The means for receivingenvironmental information (706) in typical embodiments is a computerprogrammed to receive a data stream through a data communications port,typically, not always, connected to a network. An example of such a datastream is a Nasdaq feed, a stream of ticker information or quotesprovided to subscribers by Nasdaq.

The means for generating solutions (708) for the problems dependent uponthe environmental information and the problem definitions in typicalembodiments is a computer programmed to generate and store solutions ina data structure in computer memory. An example of such a data structureis provided at reference (316) in FIG. 2F.

The means for communicating solutions (710) to clients before thesolutions are needed, in typical embodiments, is a computer programmedto retrieve solutions from computer memory and transmit through acommunications port, often over networks, to clients. In otherembodiments, at least one of the clients is closely coupled to thesystem for providing solutions, with communicating solutions structuredthrough shared memory, software subroutine calls, or calls to memberfunctions in class objects.

In some embodiments clients (712) are implemented in the same overallcomputer system (702) as the system (702) for providing solutions toproblems. Other embodiments have clients (714) as separate entities.Still other embodiments have other relations between the system forproviding solutions and clients, all which relations are within thescope of the present invention.

In some embodiments implemented as shown in FIG. 7, the problemdefinitions are for problems related to securities trading. A furtherembodiment provides means for storing the problem definitions (716) inproblem definition records in a database (22).

A still further embodiment provides means for storing the solutions(718) in solutions records in the database (22). The means for storingthe problem definitions and means for storing solutions, in theillustrated embodiment, is computer memory coupled to a processor. Thecomputer memory has various forms in various embodiments, includingrandom access memory, magnetic disk drives, read only memory,programmable read only memory, and erasable programmable read onlymemory. Means for storing takes many forms in computer memory, allwithin the scope of the invention.

In many embodiments, the solutions records have at least one relation tothe problem records, for example, one-to-many or many-to-many. Otherrelations are used in other embodiments, all within the scope of theinvention. A still further embodiment provides means for retrieving atleast one solution (720) from the solutions records in the database.Means for retrieving in typical embodiments is a computer processorcoupled to computer memory and programmed to search the memory. In someembodiments, at least one client (712, 714) is a broker-dealer computersystem programmed and operated to effect securities trading.

A still further embodiment illustrated on FIG. 7 provides for use whenreceived environmental information changes means for generatingadditional solutions (722) dependent upon the changed environmentalinformation and the problem definitions and means for communicatingadditional solutions (724) to clients before the additional solutionsare needed. In many embodiments of the kind illustrated on FIG. 7,problems are categorized according to type.

A still further embodiment shown in FIG. 7 provides means for generatingsubscriptions (726) for solutions, the subscriptions comprisingrelations between clients and types of problems. Means for generatingsubscriptions in such embodiments include available data entry screensfor entering data into a computer, the data being received by a computerprocessor capable of storing the subscriptions in computer memory.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a further aspect of the invention is seen. FIG. 8shows an embodiment providing means for submitting a request (804) for asubscription. Means for submitting a request for a subscription in suchembodiments include available data entry screens for entering data intoa computer, the data being received by a computer processor capable ofstoring the subscriptions in computer memory.

A further embodiment shown on FIG. 8 provides means for creating (806) asubscription record in response to the submission of the request for asubscription. Means for creating a subscription record in suchembodiments include a computer processor programmed to create and storethe subscription record in computer memory. In many such embodiments,the subscription record comprises data elements identifying a client anda problem type.

A still further embodiment shown on FIG. 8 provides means for creating(808) at least one problem definition record dependent upon problemdefinition rules. Means for creating a problem definition record in suchembodiments include a computer processor programmed to read rules from acomputer memory store of problem definition rules and create and store aproblem definition record in computer memory. In many such embodiments,the problem record comprises data elements identifying problem type,side, symbol, and quantity.

Turning now to FIG. 9, a further embodiment of the invention is seen. Anembodiment shown in FIG. 9 provides means for receiving environmentalinformation comprising means for receiving (904) market information inthe form of quotes, the quotes typically comprising, as shown in FIG.2C, data elements of side (208), symbol (210), quantity (212), market(206), and a tag (214), the tag being a status code for the quote. Meansfor receiving market information, in embodiments similar to the onesillustrated in FIG. 9, include ticker feeds, quote feeds, and marketdata feeds from Nasdaq and from other exchanges, as well as similarfeeds from ECNs, market makers, other markets, and other broker-dealers.

A further embodiment of the invention, shown on FIG. 9, provides, foruse when a quote is received and the quote tag does not indicate thatthe quote is closed, means for finding (906) a problem definition recordhaving the same side and symbol as the quote. Means for finding aproblem definition record in such embodiments include a computerprocessor programmed to search through problem definition records in atable or database using established search criteria.

A further embodiment of the invention, shown on FIG. 9, provides meansfor searching is (908) for a solution record having the same problemtype, side, and symbol as the problem definition record having the sameside and symbol as the quote and the same market as the quote. Means forsearching for a solution record in such embodiments include a computerprocessor programmed to search through solution records in a table ordatabase using established search criteria.

A further embodiment, shown on FIG. 9, provides, for use when a solutionrecord is found, means for updating (910) the solution record with theprice from the quote. Means for updating the solution record, in manysuch embodiments, is a computer processor programmed to write theupdated price into a price field or data element in the solution record,data structure, or class object in computer memory.

A further embodiment, shown on FIG. 9, provides, for use when thesolution record is not found, means for creating (912) a new solutionrecord having the same problem type, side, and symbol as the problemdefinition record having the same side and symbol as the quote, the samemarket as the quote, and the same price as the quote. In suchembodiments, means for creating a new solution record typically comprisea computer processor programmed to create a data structure havingdefined data elements and write into those data elements the informationfrom the quote and the problem definition record. An example of such adata structure is shown at reference 316 on FIG. 2F. The example of FIG.2F is directed to solutions for problems of securities trading andincludes data elements of problem type (202), side (208), symbol (210),quantity (220), price (222), and market identification code (224).

A still further embodiment shown on FIG. 9 provides, for use when aquote is received and the quote tag indicates that the quote is closed,means for deleting (914) solution records having the same side, symbol,and market as the quote. Means for deleting solution records in suchembodiments include a computer processor programmed to search throughsolution records in a table or database using established searchcriteria, locate records meeting the criteria, and delete those recordsfrom the table or database, or alternatively, mark the records as not inuse.

Turning now to FIG. 10, a further embodiment is seen to provide meansfor repeatedly finding (1004) a subscription record so that eachexisting subscription record is found in turn. Means for repeatedlyfinding a subscription record in such embodiments include a computerprocessor programmed to search through subscription records in computermemory, said computer memory including, in various embodiments, arrays,linked lists, linked lists of pointers to other structures, tables, anddatabases.

A still further embodiment, shown on FIG. 10, provides means for finding(1006), for each found subscription record, a related record of datacommunications parameters for the client identified in the foundsubscription record. Means for finding a related record of datacommunications parameters in such embodiments include a computerprocessor programmed to search through records of data communicationsparameters in computer memory, said computer memory including, invarious embodiments, arrays, linked lists, linked lists of pointers toother structures, tables, and databases.

A still further embodiment, shown on FIG. 10, provides means for finding(1008), for each found subscription record, at least one related problemdefinition record. Means for finding a related problem definition recordin such embodiments include a computer processor programmed to searchthrough problem definition record in computer memory, said computermemory including, in various embodiments, arrays, linked lists, linkedlists of pointers to other structures, tables, and databases.

A still further embodiment, shown on FIG. 10, provides, for use when atleast one problem definition record is found, means for finding (1010),for each found problem definition record, at least one related solutionrecord. Means for finding a related solution record in such embodimentsinclude a computer processor programmed to search through solutionsrecords in computer memory, said computer memory including, in variousembodiments, arrays, linked lists, linked lists of pointers to otherstructures, tables, and databases.

A still further embodiment, shown on FIG. 10, includes means forcommunicating (1012), dependent upon data communication parametersidentified in the found record of data communications parameters, to theclient identified in the found subscription record at least one dataelement of the found solution record. Means for communicating data froma solution record in such embodiments include data communications ports,networks, satellite links, dedicated phone lines, intranets, internets,and extranets coupling the search processor to at least one client.

Turning now to FIG. 11, further embodiments of the invention are seen.FIG. 11 shows one embodiment providing means for communicating solutionsto clients further comprising means for communicating (1104) solutionsto an order processing system on a broker-dealer computer. Means forcommunicating data from a solution record in such embodiments includedata communications ports, networks, satellite links, dedicated phonelines, intranets, internets, and extranets coupling the search processorto at least one broker-dealer computer.

A further embodiment shown on FIG. 11 provides means for receiving(1106) at least one customer order. The means for receiving an order insuch embodiments typically includes customer workstations coupled to anorder processing system, the coupling effected typically through datacommunications ports, networks, satellite links, dedicated phone lines,intranets, internets, and extranets coupling the search processor to atleast one broker-dealer computer.

In such embodiments, the customer order typically comprises dataelements identifying symbol (210), quantity (228), and optionally, price(230), market (224), and order type (226), as shown on FIG. 2H. In manyembodiments of the invention as it relates to processing systems forsecurities, the customer order type has a relation to a problem type,including, for example, the order type having a one to onecorrespondence with a problem type. All relations between order type andproblems type are within the invention.

A further embodiment, shown on FIG. 11, provides means for finding(1108) at least one solution record having the same symbol as thereceived customer order and also having a problem type related to thecustomer order type in the received customer order. Means for finding atleast one solution record in such embodiments includes a computerprocessor programmed to search through solutions records in computermemory, said computer memory including, in various embodiments, arrays,linked lists, linked lists of pointers to other structures, tables, anddatabases.

A still further embodiment, shown on FIG. 11, provides means for sending(1110) to at least one market at least one solution order, the solutionorder being dependent upon the customer order and the data in thesolution record. Means for sending the solution order in suchembodiments include data communications ports, networks, satellitelinks, dedicated phone lines, intranets, internets, and extranetscoupling the search processor to at least one market.

A still further embodiment, shown on FIG. 11, provides means for sending(1112) to at least one market at least one solution order, the solutionorder comprising the side, symbol, quantity, price, and market dataelements from the found solution record. Means for sending the solutionorder in such embodiments include data communications ports, networks,satellite links, dedicated phone lines, intranets, internets, andextranets coupling the search processor to at least one market.

Turning to FIG. 12, a further aspect of the invention is seen, that is,a solutions server. One embodiment of a solutions server, illustrated atFIG. 12, includes a processor (36) coupled to at least one source ofenvironmental information (10) and coupled also to at least one client(26). The processor (36) is programmed, in one embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14, to generate problem definitions (1304) for problems, receiveenvironmental information (1302) required for generating solutions forthe problems, generate solutions (1306) for the problems dependent uponthe environmental information and the problem definitions, andcommunicate solutions (1308) to clients before the solutions are needed.The solutions server of FIG. 12 includes also a memory (32) coupled tothe processor (36), the processor being programmed also to store (1310)in the memory problem definitions and solutions. Although the solutionsserver aspect of the invention is useful for many different kinds ofproblems, many embodiments of the illustrated solutions server includeproblem definitions and solutions related to securities trading.

A further embodiment of the solutions server of FIG. 14 includescomputer memory (32) in which is stored (1310) problem definitions andsolutions. Many embodiments of the solutions server implement computermemory storing problem definitions in the form of a database (22) withproblem definitions records in a table (314) as shown in FIG. 2. Anexample of problem definitions records structured to address problems ofsecurities trading is shown in FIG. 2G as including data elements ofproblem type (202), side (208), symbol (210), quantity (226). An exampleof solutions records structured to address problems of securitiestrading is shown in FIG. 2F as including data elements of problem type(202), symbol (210), side (208), quantity (220), price (222), and marketidentification (224).

A further embodiment illustrated at FIG. 14 provides a processor (36)further programmed to retrieve (1312) at least one solution record fromthe solutions records in the database (22). In many embodiments of theaspect of the invention illustrated in FIG. 14, at least one client (26)is a broker-dealer computer system programmed and operated to effectsecurities trading.

In many embodiments of the solutions server illustrated in FIGS. 12 and14, problems are categorized according to type. An example of a datastructure (314) defining a problem categorized according to problem type(202) is shown at FIG. 2G.

A further embodiment illustrated at FIG. 14 provides a processor (36)further programmed to generate subscriptions (1314) for solutions. Inmany embodiments of the kind illustrated, subscriptions compriserelations between clients (216) and types of problems (202) as shown indata structure (310) in FIG. 2D.

Turning to FIG. 15, additional embodiments of a solution server areseen. One embodiment shown in FIG. 15 provides for a client's (26)submitting to a processor (36) a request for a subscription (1402).Another embodiment shown on FIG. 15 provides the processor (36)programmed to create a subscription record (1404) in response to thesubmission (1402) of the request for a subscription. In someembodiments, for example, the subscription record (310) comprises dataelements identifying a client (216) and a problem type (202) as shown onFIG. 2D.

Still another embodiment illustrated on FIG. 15 provides the processor(36) further programmed to create (1406) at least one problem definitionrecord dependent upon problem definition rules. In some embodiments, forexample, the problem definition record (314) comprises data elementsidentifying problem type (202), side (208), symbol (210), and quantity(226), as shown in FIG. 2G.

Turning to FIG. 16, further embodiments of a solution server are seen.FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment directed to securities trading inwhich environmental information comprises market information in the formof quotes received (1502) by a processor (36). An example of a datastructure useful for this class of quotes (28), the quotes furthercomprising data elements identifying side (208), symbol (210), quantity(212), market (206), and a tag (214), is shown at FIG. 2C.

A further embodiment of the solutions server, shown in FIG. 16, providesthe processor being further programmed to find (1504), when a quote isreceived (1502), a problem definition record having the same side andsymbol as the quote. A further embodiment of the solutions server, shownin FIG. 16, provides the processor further programmed to search (1506)for a solution record having the same problem type, side, and symbol asthe problem definition record having the same side and symbol as thequote and the same market as the quote. A still further embodiment ofthe solutions server, shown in FIG. 16, provides the processor beingfurther programmed to update (1508), when the solution record is found,the solution record with the price from the quote.

A further embodiment of the solutions server, shown in FIG. 16, providesthe processor further programmed to create a new solution record (1510),when the solution record is not found, having the same problem type,side, and symbol as the problem definition record having the same sideand symbol as the quote, the same market as the quote, and the sameprice as the quote. A further embodiment of the solutions server, shownin FIG. 16, provides the processor further programmed to delete (1512)solution records having the same side, symbol, and market as the quote,when a quote is received and the quote tag indicates that the quote isclosed.

Turning now to FIG. 17, additional embodiments of a solutions server areseen. One embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 provides a processorprogrammed to repeatedly find (1602) a next subscription record so thateach existing subscription record is found in turn.

A further embodiment shown in FIG. 17 provides the processor furtherprogrammed to find (1604), at least one subscription record is found,for each found subscription record, a related record of datacommunications parameters for the client identified in the foundsubscription record. A further embodiment shown in FIG. 17 provides theprocessor further programmed to find (1606), for each found subscriptionrecord, at least one related problem definition record.

A still further embodiment shown in FIG. 17 provides the processorfurther programmed to find (1608), when at least one problem definitionrecord is found, for each found problem definition record, at least onerelated solution record. A further embodiment shown in FIG. 17 providesthe processor further programmed to communicate (1610), dependent upondata communication parameters identified in a found record of datacommunications parameters, to the client identified in the foundsubscription record at least one data element of a found solutionrecord.

Turning to FIG. 18, further embodiments of the invention are seen. Oneembodiment illustrated in FIG. 18 provides a solutions server processor(5) is programmed to communicate solutions (1704) to clients, theprocessor (5) programmed to communicate (1704) solutions (316) to atleast one order processing system (1708) on a broker-dealer computer(1706), the broker-dealer computer (1706) further comprising abroker-dealer processor (1702).

A further embodiment shown in FIG. 18 provides the broker-dealerprocessor (1702) programmed to receive (1710) at least one customerorder (1720). In some embodiments the order processing system is theclient (26) as shown on FIG. 12. In embodiments of the kind shown inFIG. 12, the client order processing system is installed and operated ona computer (28) separate from the computer (30) on which the solutionserver (5) is installed. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, theclient order processing system (26) is installed and operated on thesame computer (30) with the solution server (5). All these embodiments,as well as other configurations of solution server and clientinstallation and operation, are well within the scope of the presentinvention.

In some embodiments, the customer order (606) comprises data elementsidentifying symbol (210), quantity (228), and optionally, price (230),market (224), and order type (226), as shown in FIG. 2H. Otherembodiments use other data structures for orders, all structures fororder being well within the scope of the present invention.

In many embodiments, the customer order type (226) has a relation (asshown, for example, at reference number 1728 on FIG. 18) to a problemtype (1712), including, for example, a one-to-one correspondence. Allrelations between order type and problem type are within the scope ofthe present invention.

A still further embodiment shown in FIG. 18 provides the broker-dealerprocessor (1702) further programmed to find (1714) at least one solutionrecord (1722) dependent upon the received customer order and, in manyembodiments, also dependent upon the problem type (1712).

A still further embodiment shown in FIG. 18 provides the broker-dealerprocessor (1702) further programmed to create (1724) and send (1716) toat least one market (614) at least one solution order (1726) dependentupon the customer order (1720) and the found solution record (1722).Solution orders (1726) in many embodiments have structures dictated bythe markets to which the solution orders are directed, although in manyembodiments, the structure of solution orders is similar to thestructure of the customer order as shown in FIG. 2H. All data structuresuseful for solutions orders sent to markets are well within theinvention. Typical embodiments of the kind illustrated in FIG. 18provide the broker-dealer processor (1702) programmed to send (1716) toat least one market (614) at least one solution order (1726), thesolution order comprising the side, symbol, quantity, price, and marketdata elements from the found solution record.

Turning now to FIG. 19, a further aspect of the invention is seen, thatis, a method of providing solutions for trading securities. Oneembodiment illustrated at FIG. 19 includes receiving a level-two quote(2002), the level-two quote comprising a symbol (2010) and at least onemarket participant quote (2004), the market participant quote furthercomprising a quote price (2006), a quote quantity (2008), a quote MPID(2012), and a quote side (2012). The illustrated embodiment includescreating (1904) in computer memory a solution set (1902) comprising atleast one solution record (1906) corresponding to each marketparticipant quote (2004) in the level-two quote (2002), the solutionrecord (1906) comprising a solution symbol (1908), a solution side(1.916), a solution MPID (1918), a solution price (1920), a solutionquantity (1922), and a solution latency (1924), the solution latencycomprising a latency for the market identified by the solution MPID(1918). A further embodiment shown also in FIG. 19 includes sending(1928) the solution set to at least one client (1930).

It is worth noting that embodiments of the kind illustrated in FIG. 19do not include problem definitions in the form of data structures storedin computer memory or in records or tables in databases. In suchembodiments, problem definitions typically take, for example, forms suchas “Buy MSFT” or “Sell GMC,” that is, a side combined with a symbol. Inembodiments using such problem definitions, problem definitionscomprising merely a side and a symbol, the software programs stored inmemory and controlling a processor can be designed to infer problemdefinitions with no need for separate storage of problem definitions. Insuch embodiments, specific problem definitions are inferred underprogram control from the client's presentation of the problem. Forexample, in the case of securities trading, a customer order includes aside and a symbol. If the order side is “bid” and the order symbol is“MSFT,” then the problem definition is inferred to be “Buy MSFT.” Theclient software in such embodiments proceeds directly to a search of thesolutions records based on merely those two fields, side and symbol, tofind solutions to the problem of “Buy MSFT.”

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the client (1930)comprises an automated system for trading securities, and the embodimentincludes storing (2102) the sent solution set (2104) in computer memory(2106) in the client system (1930). The embodiment illustrated in FIG.21 also provides for using (2114) at least one of the sent solutionrecords (2104) to create (2108) orders (2112) for securities. Theembodiment of FIG. 21 also includes deleting (2110) from computer memorythe used solution records (2116).

In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 22, the client (1930) comprisesmore than one automated system (2204) for trading securities and theautomated systems for trading securities are scaled. “Scaled” means thatsolutions provided to clients are apportioned for efficiency among morethan one client computer system. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, forexample, solutions for symbols beginning with the letters of thealphabet between “A” and “C” are sent to a first client system (2206),and solutions for symbols beginning with letters in other ranges areapportioned among other client systems (2208, 2210).

In a further embodiment, referring again to FIG. 19, creating (1904) asolution set is seen to further comprise recording (1908) in thesolution record (1906) the solution side (1916) derived from the quoteside (2012), the solution MPID (1918) derived from the quote MPID(2010), the solution price (1920) derived from the quote price (2000),and the solution symbol (1908) derived from the symbol (2010) in thelevel-two quote (2002). In a still further embodiment, also shown inFIG. 19, creating (1904) a solution set includes calculating (1910) thesolution quantity (1922) for the solution record (1906) dependent uponthe quote quantity (2008) and dependent upon a hidden quantity ratio(2016) for the market identified by the solution MPID (1918). Thisexample embodiment also provides for recording (1940) the solutionquantity (1922) in the solution record (1906).

In a further embodiment of the invention, illustrated at FIG. 23, thehidden quantity ratio (2016) comprises a running average (2302) of theratios (2304) of order fill quantity (2316) to quote quantity, the orderfill quantity and the quote quantity being derived from trade data(2322) comprising descriptions of executions of orders for securities.In a further embodiment of the invention, illustrated at FIG. 23, thehidden quantity ratio (2016) comprises a decaying average (2326) of theratios (2304) of order fill quantity (2316) to quote quantity, the orderfill quantity and the quote quantity being derived from trade data(2322) comprising descriptions of executions of orders for securities.In a still further embodiment of the invention, illustrated at FIG. 23,the hidden quantity ratio (2016) comprises a single (2324) ratio (2304)of an order fill quantity to a quote quantity, the order fill quantityand the quote quantity being derived from trade data comprisingdescriptions of executions of orders for securities.

In a further embodiment, illustrated also in FIG. 19, the solution setcomprises at least two solution records, and the illustrated embodimentincludes sorting (1932) the solution records (1906) to yield sortedsolution records (1934). Some embodiments sort according to side. Otherembodiments sort according to price, latency, price and latency, or sideand price and latency. Still other embodiments utilize other sortingprinciples, all sorting arrangement being well within the scope of theinvention.

A further embodiment, shown also in FIG. 19, provides for deleting(1936) solution latency from the sorted solution records (1934). Afurther embodiment, also shown on FIG. 19, include creating (1950) anindex (1952) for use in accessing (1954) solution records (1906) in thesolution set (1902). Some embodiments index according to side. Otherembodiments index according to price, latency, price and latency, orside and price and latency. All forms of index are well within the scopeof the invention. In a further embodiment of the invention, as shown inFIG. 19, the solution record (1906) further comprises a type code(1926).

In a still further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 20A,latency (2014) comprises the difference between the time when abroker-dealer (2018) receives (2024) from a market (2020) a response toan order and the time when the order was sent (2022) to the market.Other embodiments measure latency according to the time for the order totravel from the broker-dealer to the market. Other embodiments measurelatency according to the fill time within the market. All measures oflatency as used in various embodiments are well within the scope of theinvention.

Turning now to FIG. 24, a further aspect of the invention is seen, thatis, a system for generating solutions for trading securities. In oneembodiment, shown in FIG. 24, a system (2402) for generating solutionsfor trading securities includes means for receiving (2402) a level-twoquote (2002), the level-two quote comprising a symbol and at least onemarket participant quote (2005), the market participant quote furthercomprising a quote price (2006), a quote quantity (2008), a quote MPID(2010), and a quote side (2012). Means for receiving a level-two quoteincludes Nasdaq feeds and subscriber feeds from ECNs received acrossnetworks or dedicated lines through communications ports operated underprogram control in a computer system. Other sources of feeds forlevel-two quotes are within the scope of the invention, includingdedicated communications hardware which in some cases is supplied by thesources of quotes for the purpose of communicating quotes, including,for example, Nasdaq's “Service Delivery Platform” or “SDP.”

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24 includes also means for creating(2406) in computer memory (2408) a solution set (1902) comprising atleast one solution record (1906) corresponding to each marketparticipant quote (2005) in the level-two quote (2002), the solutionrecord (1906) comprising a solution symbol (1908), a solution side(1916), a solution MPID (1918), a solution price (1920), a solutionquantity (1922), and a solution latency (1924), the solution latencycomprising a latency for a market identified by the solution MPID(1918). Means for creating a solution set in computer memory, in mostembodiments, is a computer processor coupled to computer memory andoperating under control of a program stored in computer memory. Forms ofcomputer memory operable within the invention include random accessmemory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasableprogrammable read-only memory, other forms of semiconductor memory, aswell as various forms of magnetic storage such as computer disk drives.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24 also includes means for sending(2410) the solution set to at least one client (1930). Means for sendingthe solution in such embodiments includes data communications ports,networks, satellite links, dedicated phone lines, intranets, internets,extranets, and other forms of networks, coupling the embodiment of theinvention to at least one client.

In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 25, the client (1930) comprisesan automated system for trading securities that includes means forstoring (2502) the sent solution set (1902) in computer memory (2504) inthe client (1930). Means for storing a solution set in computer memory,in most embodiments, is a computer processor coupled to computer memoryand operating under control of a program stored in computer memory.Forms of computer memory operable within the invention include randomaccess memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasableprogrammable read-only memory, other forms of semiconductor memory, aswell as various forms of magnetic storage such as computer disk drives.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25 includes also means for creating(2506), from at least one of the sent solution records (1902), an order(2508) for securities, wherein creating an order from the sent solutionrecord (1902) further comprises creating (2512) a used solution record(2510). Means for creating an order, in most embodiments, is a computerprocessor coupled to computer memory and operating under control of aprogram stored in computer memory.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25 also provides means for deleting(2514) from computer memory (2504) the used solution record (2510).Means for deleting the used record, in most embodiments, is a computerprocessor coupled to computer memory and operating under control of aprogram stored in computer memory. Forms of computer memory operablewithin the invention include random access memory, read-only memory,programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory,other forms of semiconductor memory, as well as various forms ofmagnetic storage such as computer disk drives.

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the client (1930) includesmore than one automated system (2204) for trading securities and theautomated systems (2204) for trading securities are scaled. “Scaled”means that solutions provided to clients are apportioned for efficiencyamong more than one client computer system. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 22, for example, solutions for symbols beginning with the lettersof the alphabet between “A” and “C” are sent to a first client system(2206), and solutions for symbols beginning with letters in other rangesare apportioned among other client systems (2208, 2210).

In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 24, means for creating a solutionset includes means for recording (2412) in the solution record, as shownin more detail in FIG. 29, the solution side (1916) derived from thequote side (2012), the solution MPID (1918) derived from the quote MPID(2010), the solution price (1920) derived from the quote price (2006),and the solution symbol (1908) derived from the symbol (2004) in thelevel-two quote. Means for recording in the solution record, in mostembodiments, is a computer processor coupled to computer memory andoperating under control of a program stored in computer memory.

In a further embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 24 themeans for creating a solution set includes means for calculating (2414)the solution quantity for the solution record dependent upon the quotequantity and dependent upon a hidden quantity ratio for the marketidentified by the solution MPID. Means for calculating the solutionquantity, in most embodiments, is a computer processor coupled tocomputer memory and operating under control of a program stored incomputer memory.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24, the means for creating asolution set includes means for recording (2416) the solution quantityin the solution record. Means for calculating the solution quantity andmeans for recording the solution quantity, in most embodiments, are acomputer processor coupled to computer memory and operating undercontrol of a program stored in computer memory.

In a further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 23, thehidden quantity ratio (2016) comprises a running average (2302) of theratios (2304) of order fill quantity (2316) to quote quantity (2318),the order fill quantity and the quote quantity being derived from tradedata (2322) comprising descriptions of executions of orders forsecurities. In a still further embodiment of the invention, also shownin FIG. 23, the hidden quantity ratio (2016) comprises a single (2324)ratio (2304) of an order fill quantity (2316) to a quote quantity(2318), the order fill quantity and the quote quantity being derivedfrom trade data (2322) comprising descriptions of executions of ordersfor securities. In a further embodiment of the invention, alsoillustrated at FIG. 23, the hidden quantity ratio (2016) comprises adecaying average (2326) of the ratios (2304) of order fill quantity(2316) to quote quantity, the order fill quantity and the quote quantitybeing derived from trade data (2322) comprising descriptions ofexecutions of orders for securities.

In a further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 24, thesolution set (1902) includes at least two solution records (1906), andthe embodiment further includes means for sorting (2418) the solutionrecords to yield sorted solution records (1934). A further embodiment,as shown in FIG. 24, includes means for sorting the solution recordsaccording to side. Other embodiments includes means for sorting thesolution records according to price, latency, price and latency, sideand price and latency. Other embodiments sort according to other fieldsor combinations of fields within the solution records. All sortingarrangements of the solution records, in various alternativeembodiments, are well within the scope of the invention. Means forsorting solution records, in most embodiments, is a computer processorcoupled to computer memory and operating under control of a programstored in computer memory.

A further embodiment, also shown in FIG. 24, provides means for deleting(2420) solution latency from the sorted solution records (1934). Meansfor deleting in most embodiments is at least one computer processoroperating under control of a program stored in computer memory.

A further embodiment, also shown in FIG. 24, includes means for creating(2422) an index for the solution set. Means for creating an index inmost embodiments is at least one computer processor operating underprogram control to read index fields from the solution records andcreate a new set of ordered index records in computer memory dependentupon the read fields. Indexes so created are ordered according to side,price, latency, price and latency, side and price and latency, and otherordering principles, all of which in various alternative embodiments arewell within the scope of the invention.

In a further embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 24, the solutionrecord (1906) includes a type code (1926). In many embodiments, the typecode (1926) is used to select among computer program subroutines to varythe function of the invention to provide solutions optimizing speed oforder execution, solutions optimizing price, solutions optimizingquantities of securities traded, and solutions optimizing otherparameters of performance. Many different solution types are effected byuse of various sorting principles applied to solution records incomputer memory. All such different solution types are well within thescope of the invention.

In a further embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 20A, solutionlatency (1924) comprises the difference between the time (2018) when abroker-dealer (2024) receives from a market (2020) a response to anorder and the time when the order was sent (2022) to the market (2020).Other embodiments measure latency according to the time for the order totravel from the broker-dealer to the market. Other embodiments measurelatency according to the fill time within the market. All measures oflatency as used in various embodiments are well within the scope of theinvention.

Turning now to FIG. 26, a further aspect of the invention is seen as asystem (2602) for providing solutions for trading securities. Oneembodiment, illustrated in FIG. 26, provides a processor (2604) coupled(2610) to at least one source of quotes (2606) and coupled (2612) to atleast one client (1930), the processor (2604) programmed to receive(2608) at least one level-two quote (2002), the level-two quote (2002)comprising a symbol and at least one market participant quote (2004),the market participant quote comprising a quote price (2006), a quotequantity (2008), a quote MPID (2010), and a quote side (2012).

A further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26 includes the processorprogrammed to create (2614) a solution set (1902) comprising at leastone solution record (1906) corresponding to each market participantquote (2004), the solution record comprising a solution symbol (1908), asolution side (1906), a solution MPID (1918), a solution price (1920), asolution quantity (1922), and a solution latency (1924), the solutionlatency comprising a latency for the market identified by the solutionMPID (1918). The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26 includes also amemory (2618) coupled (2620) to the processor (2604) with the processorprogrammed to store (2616) the solution set (1902) in the memory (2618).

A further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26 includes the processor theprocessor (2604) is programmed to send (2622) the solution set (1902) tothe client (1930).

In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 27, the client (1930) comprisesan automated system for trading securities, the system furthercomprising a client processor (2702) coupled to client memory (2704). Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the client processor is programmed tostore (2706) the sent solution set (1902) in client memory (2704),create (2708), dependent upon the sent solution set (1902), orders(2710) for securities, and send (2712) the orders for securities tomarkets (2714).

In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 28, the client (1930) comprisesmore than one automated system (2804) for trading securities, and theautomated systems for trading securities are scaled (2806, 2808, 2810).“Scaled” means that solutions provided to clients are apportioned forefficiency among more than one client computer system. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 28, for example, solutions for symbols beginning with theletters of the alphabet between “A” and “C” are sent to a first clientsystem (2806), and solutions for symbols beginning with letters in otherranges are apportioned among other client systems (2808, 2810).

In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 26, the computer processor isprogrammed also to record (2624) in the solution set (1902), as shown inmore detail in FIG. 29, the solution side (1916) derived from the quoteside (2012), the solution MPID (1918) derived from the quote MPID(2010), the solution price (1920) derived from the quote price (2006),and the solution symbol (1908) derived from the symbol (2004) in thelevel-two quote. In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, theprocessor is further programmed to calculate (2626) the solutionquantity dependent upon the quote and dependent upon a hidden quantityratio (2628). The processor in this embodiment is programmed also torecord (2624) the solution quantity in the solution record (2628).

In a further embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 23, the hidden quantityratio (2016) comprises a running average (2302) of the ratios (2304) oforder fill quantity (2316) to quote quantity (2318), the order fillquantity and the quote quantity being derived from trade data (2322)comprising descriptions of executions of orders for securities havingstructure shown at 2322 in FIG. 23. In a still further embodiment, alsoillustrated in FIG. 23, the hidden quantity ratio (2016) comprises asingle (2324) ratio (2304) of an order fill quantity (2316) to a quotequantity (2318), the order fill quantity and the quote quantity beingderived from trade data (2322) comprising descriptions of executions oforders for securities. In a further embodiment of the invention, alsoillustrated at FIG. 23, the hidden quantity ratio (2016) comprises adecaying average (2326) of the ratios (2304) of order fill quantity(2316) to quote quantity, the order fill quantity and the quote quantitybeing derived from trade data (2322) comprising descriptions ofexecutions of orders for securities.

In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 26, the solution set includes atleast two solution (2628) records, the processor (2604) being furtherprogrammed to sort (2630) the solution records (2628) to yield a sortedsolution set (2632). In a further embodiment, also shown in FIG. 26, theprocessor is further programmed to sort the solution records accordingto side. In other embodiments, the processor is programmed to sort thesolution records according to price, latency, price and latency, or sideand price and latency. Other embodiments use other sorting arrangements,all of which are well within the scope of the invention.

In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 26, the processor is furtherprogrammed to delete (2636) solution latency from the sorted solutionrecords (2632). In a further embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 26A, theprocessor (2604) is further programmed to create (2634) an index (2634)from the solution records (2628) in the solution set (1902) for use inimproved access (2642) to the solution records (2628). Indexes socreated are ordered, in various alternative embodiments, according toside, price, latency, price and latency, side and price and latency, andother ordering principles. These, as well as all other arrangements ofindexes for improving access to the solution records, in variousalternative embodiments, are well within the scope of the invention.

In a further embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 26, the solution record(1906) further includes a type code (1926). In many embodiments, thetype code (1926) is used to select among computer program subroutines tovary the function of the invention to provide solutions optimizing speedof order execution, solutions optimizing price, solution optimizingquantities of securities traded, and quantities optimizing otherparameters of performance. Many such solutions are effected by use ofvarious sorting principles applied to solution records in computermemory.

In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 20A, latency comprises thedifference between the time when a broker-dealer receives from a marketa response to an order and the time when the order was sent to themarket. Other embodiments measure latency according to the time for theorder to travel from the broker-dealer to the market. Other embodimentsmeasure latency according to the fill time within the market. Allmeasures of latency as used in various embodiments are well within thescope of the invention.

An example of operation of the invention as a system for tradingsecurities is the following. Assume that a reference table contains thefollowing information regarding latency and hidden quantity ratios ofmarkets.

Reference Table MPID LATENCY HQR MSCO SN 0.50 ISLD 52 1.50 INCA 475 1.25GSCO SN 0.75 MADF SN 0.75 ARCA 385 1 SN 3500 NA

In most embodiments, MPIDs in the table will represent allcurrently-active markets. Note that all market makers will receive anyorders sent them either through SelectNet or SOES and therefore must usethe execution speed of those systems.

Upon receiving the following level-two quote the system will create thefollowing solution record. Only the bid side is illustrated. Thesolution record as illustrated is already sorted according to price.

Level-Two Quote (Bid) Bid MPID Bid Price Bid Quantity MSCO 99 1 GSCO 992 ISLD 99 1 MADF 98 10 ARCA 98 8 INCA 98 7

Sorting according to price and latency produces the following form ofsolution.

Solution (Bid Side Only) MPID Price Quantity ISLD 99 1 MSCO 99 1 GSCO 992 ARCA 98 8 INCA 98 7 MADF 98 10

Calculating a calculated quantity dependent upon bid quantity and hiddenquantity ratio is illustrated in the following table:

Market Bid Bid Bid Calculated Adjusted MPID Price Quantity HQR QuantityQuantity ISLD 99 1 1.50 1.5 1.5 MSCO 99 1 0.50 0.5 1 GSCO 99 2 0.75 1.51.5 ARCA 98 8 1 8 8 INCA 98 7 1.25 8.75 8.75 MADF 98 10 0.75 7.5 7.5

Market Adjusted Quantity is the result of applying market rules to thecalculated quantity. For example, orders through SelectNet must be forat least 100 shares, and some markets have rules for preferencing marketparticipants who are not currently priced at the inside price. Note thatin this example embodiment, calculating the calculated quantity can bedone before or after sorting the solution records.

In many embodiments, determination will be made for each market whetherto use the calculated quantity or the quoted quantity. Because ECNquotes are usually representations of actual orders, ECN quotes arerelatively firm. However, many ECNs support forms of hidden orders. Evenfor ECN's, therefore, there is often opportunity to execute quantitieslarger than their respective quoted quantities. In this example, it isdetermined that the opportunity to execute against hidden orders inISLD, ARCA and INCA is significant and the calculated quantity is used,resulting in the following solution, dependent upon the liquidity(quoted quantity) of the stock.

Solution (Bid Side Only) MPID Price Quantity ISLD 99 1.5 GSCO 99 2 MSCO99 1 INCA 98 8.75 ARCA 98 8 MADF 98 10 BBO 99 1.5

This solution in this example is provided to at least one client. If theclient is an automated system for trading securities, the exampleprocessing continues as follows. Assume that the offer side of thecurrent pertinent level-two quote is the following:

Level-Two Quote (for a security represented by a symbol) Quantity Price1000 98½ 5000 99

On that assumption, use of the new solution in the embodiment underdiscussion would cause the following orders to be generated in responseto a customer order to sell 1000 shares, trading 1000 shares at 98½ asfollows:

Orders Price MPID Side Quantity Price Via Improvement ISLD S 150 99 ½GSCO S 200 99 SOES ½ MSCO S 100 99 SOES ½ INCA S 550 99 ½

After these trades are executed, the remaining offer side of the currentlevel-two quote is 5000 shares at $99.00. The remaining unused recordson the bid side of the solution set would be:

Solution (Bid Side Only) (remaining unused solution records) MPID PriceQuantity INCA 98 3.75 ARCA 98 8 MADF 98 10

The “used” solution records are removed in this example embodiment toavoid sending new orders to markets that may no longer have sufficientquantity to fill orders. Sending orders to markets with increased riskof failure to fill is potentially costly in terms of overall executiontime for customers' orders. In this example it is useful to note thatthe used solution record for the Island ECN (MPID=ISLD) was deleted fromthe set of solution records remaining after the trade. The ISLD solutionrecord was deleted despite the fact that ISLD shows an hidden quantityratio of 1.5, indicating that ISLD may fill orders for quantitiessubstantially larger than ISLD's quoted quantities for a security,therefore identifying ISLD as a natural trader, in this case a naturalseller, of the subject securities. Nevertheless, many such embodimentswill delete the ISLD solution record after using it to develop an orderbecause it may not be possible to know or infer whether ISLD willcontinue to sell securities at the previous quoted price. Continuing toorder at that price might risk a time-consuming order round trip,rejection for nothing. In such embodiments, the system waits for ISLD torefresh its quote and uses the new quote price with the quote quantityand the hidden quantity ratio to generate a new solution record forISLD. This approach addresses the problem of hidden liquidity by use ofthe hidden quantity ratio on a new quote, rather than by leaving theISLD solution record in the solution set in reliance on the previousquote.

Turning now to FIG. 30, an additional aspect of the invention is seen,that is, a method (3002) of creating an improved level-two quote. Oneembodiment shown in FIG. 30 includes receiving (3006) in an automatedsystem (3004), which system comprises at least one computer processor(3008) coupled to computer memory (3010), a level-two quote (3012), thelevel-two quote comprising a data format further comprising a symbol(3014) and at least one market participant quote (3016), the marketparticipant quote further comprising a quote price (3018), a quotequantity (3020), a quote MPID (3022), and a quote side (3024).

The first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30 also includes creating(3026) in computer memory (3010) an improved level-two quote (3028)comprising a symbol (3014) and at least one improved market participantquote (3030), which improved market participant quote comprises a side(3032), an MPID (3034), a price (3036), a quantity (3038) dependent uponthe market participant quote quantity (3020) and also dependent upon ahidden quantity ratio (3042). An additional embodiment shown on FIG. 30provides in the improved market participant quote a latency (3046), thelatency comprising a latency for the market identified by the MPID(3034).

A further embodiment shown in FIG. 30 includes the improved level-twoquote (3028) comprising at least two improved market participant quotes(3030) wherein the improved market participant quotes are sorted (3044).Some embodiments sort according to side. Other embodiments sortaccording to price, latency, price and latency, or side and price andlatency. Still other embodiments utilize other sorting principles, allsorting arrangement being well within the scope of the invention.

The illustrated embodiments of FIG. 30 include providing (3052) theimproved level-two quotes (3028) to clients (3050), including providingthe improved level-two quote to clients in the form of streaming serialdata provided to clients by use of suitable means for datacommunications (3048). Suitable means for data communications, useful invarious embodiments, includes networks, dedicated satellite channels,dedicated telephone lines, and the like. Any form of data communicationsadapted to stream data in the form of level-two quotes is well withinthe scope of the invention. In addition to other data elementscomprising an improved level-two quote, some embodiments make availableto clients for display, or for other uses, at least one indication ofhidden liquidity, such as, for example, a hidden quantity ratio. Theimproved level-two quotes are provided to clients for use in trading,investment decision-making, or for display at the client's option.Clients for the invention include market participants, electronic marketparticipants, investors, traders, institutions, market makers, ECNs,websites, web pages, broadcast or cable television channels, and anyother clients interested in streaming market data.

1. A method of providing solutions for trading securities, the methodcomprising the steps of: receiving a level-two quote, the level-twoquote comprising a symbol and at least one market participant quote, themarket participant quote further comprising a quote price, a quotequantity, a quote MPID, and a quote side; creating in computer memory asolution set comprising at least one solution record corresponding toeach market participant quote in the level-two quote, the solutionrecord comprising a solution symbol, a solution side, a solution MPID, asolution price, a solution quantity, and a solution latency, thesolution latency comprising a latency for the market identified by thesolution MPID; and sending the solution set to at least one client. 2.The method of claim 1 wherein the client comprises an automated systemfor trading securities, the method further comprising the steps of:storing the sent solution set in computer memory in the client system;using at least one of the sent solution records to create orders forsecurities; and deleting from computer memory the used solution records.3. The method of claim 2 wherein the client comprises more than oneautomated system for trading securities and the automated systems fortrading securities are scaled.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein creatinga solution set further comprises recording in the solution record thesolution side derived from the quote side, the solution MPID derivedfrom the quote MPID, the solution price derived from the quote price,and the solution symbol derived from the symbol in the level-two quote.5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the solution set comprises at least two solutionrecords, the method further comprising sorting the solution records toyield sorted solution records.
 10. The method of claim 9 furthercomprising sorting the solution records according to side.
 11. Themethod of claim 9 further comprising sorting the solution recordsaccording to price.
 12. The method of claim 9 further comprising sortingthe solution records according to latency.
 13. The method of claim 9further comprising sorting the solution records according to price andlatency.
 14. The method of claim 9 further comprising sorting thesolution records according to side, price, and latency.
 15. The methodof claim 9 further comprising deleting solution latency from the sortedsolution records.
 16. The method of claim 1 further comprising creatingan index for the solution set.
 17. The method of claim 1 wherein thesolution record further comprises a type code.
 18. The method of claim 1wherein latency comprises the difference between the time when abroker-dealer receives from a market a response to an order and the timewhen the order was sent to the market.
 19. A system for providingsolutions for trading securities, the system comprising: means forreceiving a level-two quote, the level-two quote comprising a symbol andat least one market participant quote, the market participant quotefurther comprising a quote price, a quote quantity, a quote MPID, and aquote side; means for creating in computer memory a solution setcomprising at least one solution record corresponding to each marketparticipant quote in the level-two quote, the solution record comprisinga solution symbol, a solution side, a solution MPID, a solution price, asolution quantity, and a solution latency, the solution latencycomprising a latency for a market identified by the solution MPID; andmeans for sending the solution set to at least one client.
 20. Thesystem of claim 19, wherein the client comprises an automated system fortrading securities, the system further comprising: means for storing thesent solution set in computer memory in the client; means for creating,from at least one of the sent solution records, an order for securities,wherein creating an order from the sent solution record furthercomprises creating a used solution record; and means for deleting fromcomputer memory the used solution record.
 21. The system of claim 19wherein the client comprises more than one automated system for tradingsecurities and the automated systems for trading securities are scaled.22. The system of claim 19 wherein means for creating a solution setfurther comprises means for recording in the solution record thesolution side derived from the quote side, the solution MPID derivedfrom the quote MPID, the solution price derived from the quote price,and the solution symbol derived from the symbol in the level-two quote.23. (canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)
 26. (canceled)
 27. Thesystem of claim 19, wherein the solution set comprises at least twosolution records, the system further comprising means for sorting thesolution records to yield sorted solution records.
 28. The system ofclaim 27 further comprising means for sorting the solution recordsaccording to side.
 29. The system of claim 27 further comprising meansfor sorting the solution records according to price.
 30. The system ofclaim 27 further comprising means for sorting the solution recordsaccording to latency.
 31. The system of claim 27 further comprisingmeans for sorting the solution records according to price and latency.32. The system of claim 27 further comprising means for sorting thesolution records according to side, price, and latency.
 33. The systemof claim 27 further comprising means for deleting solution latency fromthe sorted solution records.
 34. The system of claim 19 furthercomprising means for creating an index for the solution set.
 35. Thesystem of claim 19 wherein the solution record further comprises a typecode.
 36. The system of claim 19 wherein solution latency comprises thedifference between the time when a broker-dealer receives from a marketa response to an order and the time when the order was sent to themarket.
 37. A system for providing solutions for trading securities, thesystem comprising: a processor coupled to at least one source of quotesand coupled to at least one client, the processor programmed to: receiveat least one level-two quote, the level-two quote comprising a symboland at least one market participant quote, the market participant quotecomprising a quote price, a quote quantity, a quote MPID, and a quoteside; create a solution set comprising at least one solution recordcorresponding to each market participant quote, the solution recordcomprising a solution symbol, a solution side, a solution MPID, asolution price, a solution quantity, and a solution latency, thesolution latency comprising a latency for the market identified by thesolution MPED; and send the solution set to a client; and a memorycoupled to the processor, the processor programmed to store the solutionset in the memory.
 38. The system of claim 37 wherein the clientcomprises an automated system for trading securities, the system furthercomprising a client processor coupled to client memory, the clientprocessor programmed to: store the sent solution set in client memory;create, dependent upon the sent solution records, orders for securities;and send the orders for securities to markets.
 39. The system of claim37 wherein the client comprises more than one automated system fortrading securities and the automated systems for trading securities arescaled.
 40. The system of claim 37 wherein the processor is furtherprogrammed to record in the solution set the solution side derived fromthe quote side, the solution MPID derived from the quote MPID, thesolution price derived from the quote price, and the solution symbolderived from the symbol in the level-two quote.
 41. (canceled) 42.(canceled)
 43. (canceled)
 44. (canceled)
 45. The system of claim 37,wherein the solution set comprises at least two solution records, theprocessor being further programmed the solution records to yield asorted solution set.
 46. The system of claim 45 wherein the processor isfurther programmed to sort the solution records according to side. 47.The system of claim 45 wherein the processor is further programmed tosort the solution records according to price.
 48. The system of claim 45wherein the processor is further programmed to sort the solution recordsaccording to latency.
 49. The system of claim 45 wherein the processoris further programmed to sort the solution records according to priceand latency.
 50. The system of claim 45 wherein the processor is furtherprogrammed to sort the solution records according to side, price, andlatency.
 51. The system of claim 45 wherein the processor is furtherprogrammed to delete solution latency from the sorted solution records.52. The system of claim 37 wherein the processor is further programmedto create an index for the solution set.
 53. The system of claim 37wherein the solution record further comprises a type code.
 54. Thesystem of claim 37 wherein latency comprises the difference between thetime when a broker-dealer receives from a market a response to an orderand the time when the order was sent to the market.
 55. (canceled) 56.(canceled)
 57. (canceled)